Partnership Award

Bowker Transport has been in business for 104 years, yet has only ever operated three brands of truck – and for the last 51 years it’s been a purely Volvo fleet. Furthermore, since local dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials was established in 1985, it has been the exclusive supplier.

The relationship is a perfect example of how the Bowker family likes to develop a true partnership with its suppliers – and this entry highlights the unparalleled business benefits that has afforded all three partners.

“Truck supply shouldn’t be taken for granted, nor the after-sales service,” said one of our judges. “This relationship is testament to how both businesses have invested time in each other.”

Construct IT is focused on providing the best construction haulage in the industry, and with Wienerberger being the world’s largest producer of bricks, it says the synergies between the two businesses were easy to spot.

In April 2021, Construct IT became the lead haulier at Wienerberger UK’s Sandown Works with a view to ‘sharing the load’ and providing reciprocal learnings across the operations. Since then the relationship between the companies has grown from one of supplier to that of trusted partner.

“To have grown the commitment from Wienerberger in such a short space of time and delivered dual branding and exceptional H&S is an exceptional achievement,” said one of our judges.

In 2011, the relationship between Menzies Distribution Solutions (MDS) and TIP Group began with the need for nationwide trailer maintenance support.

Over 12 years later, TIP now supports MDS by providing a complete range of short-term rental, long-term leasing, maintenance, repair, and other services and is integral to its success.

Working as a team, the relationship continually evolves to meet the expanding needs of MDS, and together, the two companies continue to grow and enjoy market-leading compliance.

“A good example of a customer relationship and a clear demonstration of the commitment that supports growth,” said one of our judges. “It’s a true partnership where both businesses are invested in the success of each other.”

Moran Logistics & Moy Park started their relationship on a tactical basis, with Moran supporting Moy during a period of peak demand, where its current operation was under significant pressure. This relationship quickly cemented, as it became apparent to both parties that they were a great cultural fit for one another.

It was then that the hard work began, in building a truly collaborative solution for poultry logistics, which would elevate ways of working and systems through a shared purpose of developing something genuinely tailored, beyond “fit for purpose” and underpinned by a drive towards best in class performance.

“A great example of how a partnership can drive improvements and efficiency,” concluded one of our judges.

Founded in 2006, Speedy Freight pledges to get to the heart of each job and make high quality logistics solutions simple. A key driver for its warehousing expansion was to support long-standing client Ekornes, Norway’s largest furniture producer.

Speedy offers a step-by-step import service, handling everything from customs to co-ordinating the entire import process to reduce the risk of disruptions and delays at UK borders.

It stores products in three warehouses in Glasgow, Cheshire and Northamptonshire and delivers to 165 independent retailers in bulk as well as direct to customers’ homes.

“Speedy demonstrated an excellent way of working and integration with Ekornes,” said one of our judges. “It delivers an excellent service for Ekornes’ product and distribution.”

XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland have created a ‘One Team’ approach based on collaboration and trust. Together, they run an effective supply chain solution with aims and achievements based on risk, reward and transparency.

As a result, they have not only significantly reduced carbon emissions and increased the safety of operations, but the partnership has evolved to encompass nine brands in the Saint-Gobain portfolio. XPO plans to accelerate its joint network efficiencies even further as one team.

“An excellent submission based on safety, sustainability and efficiency built on a clear partnership platform,” concluded one of our judges. “You can’t grow as fast as they have together unless you have an embedded understanding between you and work as one. Exceptional.”